I need advice. 2010 Seadoo Challenger 180se VS 2008 Challenger 180

[IsettaTom]

We are looking to buy our first Seadoo Boat, and live in the northeast. Boat one is a 2010 Challenger 180 SE Bimini top rugs GPS 255hp. 178 hours supercharger rebuilt at 106 hours. asking price $15750 ,, (I think the price is very high, I would be offering less)
Boat Two, 2009 Challenger 180 215 HP 72 hours. No rugs, no Bimini Just regular service no rebuilds of any type. asking price $11500. Both boats are in great condition both in and under. Both boats are fresh water boats. The second boat is more affordable and less hours, But the bigger engine and options make the first boat attractive. Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.

 

[Babin Farms]

This all depends on your budget, $$ for upgrades you plan on doing, how you plan on using the boat and a few other factors. Buying the cheaper boat gives you more money for stereo/speakers, Seadeck and anything else you may want to do. If you just plan on cruising, the lower HP would be fine but if your tubing, skiing, or doing anything else like that more HP is always nicer. Hope you realize how fortunate you are finding 2 boats to choose from in this market. Most folks are having issues finding any boats to purchase.

 

[IsettaTom]

We would like to tube and ski. I’m seeing a lot of boats come on to the market because the season is just about over in Maine. People don’t want to store them for the off season??

 

[Acard7]

We would like to tube and ski. I’m seeing a lot of boats come on to the market because the season is just about over in Maine. People don’t want to store them for the off season??

Your thinking is exactly right, many don’t want to winterize and store; or they just didn’t like owning a boat that much. Have you water tested both boats? That may sway your decision as well.

 

[Babin Farms]

A few more questions. How many people do you plan on taking boating with you regularly? Are you sure that this is the boat you want or is it just that these are what you found? Where is the closest dealer if you need repairs that you can't do?

 

[IsettaTom]

We are a family of four. On occasion my kids friends would be on. I can do most of the maintenance. My plan is having the supercharger rebuilt over the winter. Unfortunately

I cannot test either of these boats in the water. So that’s a concern.

 

[Acard7]

We are a family of four. On occasion my kids friends would be on. I can do most of the maintenance. My plan is having the supercharger rebuilt over the winter. Unfortunately

I cannot test either of these boats in the water. So that’s a concern.

That sucks man, i would definitely want a water test or at least a recent video or FaceTime call of them doing a water test.

 

[Cliff2]

get a mechanical inspection done BEFORE buying any used boat.
at the very least, compression test. most motors should be 160+ PSI per cylinder, and mostly even numbers.